Proving your identity

When you take out certain products with us, to help us prevent crime, we will need to confirm your identity, this means proving who you are and where you live.

We need to verify the identity of all of our customers.  In the first instance we use a system of electronic identification and if this is successful, that's all we need to do.  The search is performed with a Credit Reference Agency, this is not a credit search and will only record the fact that we have done an ID check.

As part of our security checks we'll usually ask you for some personal details. When more than one person is applying, we may need to confirm the name and address of each of you.  If we are unable to verify your identity electronically, we will ask you to provide some original documents containing  your name and address if you're applying in branch or by post.. This may happen whether you are applying to be a new customer or you have been one for some time. When applying online you will be told during the application process which options are available to you.

Further verification may also be requested in other circumstances such as if correspondence has been returned to us by the post office. This is to comply with money laundering regulations which help to stop criminals using financial products or services to hide money made from their illegal activities from the authorities.

Asking you for evidence of your identity also protects you from criminals who might falsely use your name, without you ever knowing.